15 Best Things to Do in Lantana (FL)

Lantana is a town with a population of about 11,000 that sits along the Atlantic coast in Florida’s Palm Beach County.

It’s bordered by Lake Worth to the north and Boynton Beach to the south, and it’s near enough to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and the Palm Beaches to make day-trips an easy option.

For many years in the ‘70s and ‘80s, the town was known as the home of the world’s largest Christmas trees, which were shipped in annually by rail from the Pacific Northwest during the holiday season.

Though that tradition has ended, there are a variety of natural, historical, and family recreation activities available to visitors, so keeping busy shouldn’t be an issue.

Below are 15 things to do in and around Lantana, Florida.

1. Lantana Public Beach

Public beaches dot Florida’s coasts and are economical places to get your fill of sun, sand, and surf; most of them are conveniently located near lodging that’s popular with tourists.

Lantana Public Beach is known for its crushed shell sand, and though it gets a fair number of visitors, it’s usually not too difficult to find a suitable stretch on which to relax.

The sun can get particularly oppressive, especially during the afternoon in the summer months, but umbrellas and lounge chairs are available to rent, and there are restrooms and covered seating areas nearby as well.

There’s ample parking nearby, and most of it is pay by the hour.

2. Lantana Nature Preserve

Located on West Ocean Avenue, Lantana Nature Preserve is a pristine hardwood hammock area that sits atop the site of the town’s former dump.

It’s such an amazingly pristine and natural area that you’d never know it’s part of an old disposal site. It’s now home to a variety of animals and is an especially popular attraction for bird-watchers and nature photographers.

Other sections of the preserve include lagoons and tidal mangrove forests, which are all connected by a network of well-marked and easily traversed trails, so wear a decent pair of shoes and bring a hat and water too.

3. Sons and Daughters Farm and Winery

Though it’s not going to surpass the Napa Valley as the country’s wine epicenter anytime in the near future, Florida’s wineries have garnered significant attention in recent years. They’re mainly known for their contemporary, fruit-infused concoctions that are often made with locally-grown items like strawberries and key limes.

Sons and Daughters Farm and Winery is a popular area attraction for those interested in experiencing a relaxing atmosphere and live entertainment while sipping a variety of tasty, grape-based intoxicants.

Previous guests have noted that the atmosphere was cozy and inviting, but a few said that the prices were pretty steep, so it may not be a good fit for those traveling on a budget.

4. The Lake Worth Playhouse

Community playhouses are often-overlooked entertainment options that almost always pack a lot of bang for visitors’ hard-earned travel dollars.

The Lake Worth Playhouse is actually two distinct theatres in one; they’re located on Lake Avenue in town and are just an easy drive from Lantana.

The Playhouse is housed inside the historic Oakley Theatre and offers a wide variety of programs, performances, and events to suit nearly every taste.

Live music and foreign and indie films are among the most popular offerings, and there’s a popular live concert series that features a range of musical genres – from classical to jazz and the blues.

5. Hypoluxo Scrub Natural Area

Though it’s one of the most difficult to pronounce attractions in the area, the Hypoluxo Scrub Natural Area is a popular outdoor recreation destination, and it’s located on nearly 100 acres that are open to the public from sunrise to sunset.

The area offers a variety of natural trails that wind their way through Southern Palm Beach County. There are educational kiosks and exhibits, covered shelters, and the multi-use trails are open to walkers and bikers.

Parking can get tight during peak times, so consider a weekday or morning visit to avoid the crowds.

Unfortunately for those traveling with four-legged friends, pets aren’t allowed.

6. Cottages of Lake Worth

The Cottages of Lake Worth are a popular historic attraction that ranks high on the itineraries of many visitors, especially those interested in history, culture, and architecture.

The city of Lake Worth includes nearly 1,000 cottages, and compared to today’s standards, they’re small and quaint and have even been described as magical and whimsical by delighted visitors.

Self and professionally guided tours of the cottages are available. It’s not uncommon to meet friendly and enthusiastic owners going about their business; many of them are more than happy to show visitors around.

On the most popular Inside the Cottages Tour, guests will be able to look inside at least ten cottages.

7. Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge

Located in the northern part of the Everglades National Forest, the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is one of the Sunshine State’s premier destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and amateur photographers.

The area is known as a river of grass, and a variety of ranger-led tours are available, including airboat, kayak, and hiking options.

The refuge is home to more than 200 species of birds, many of which are quite rare; the woodpeckers, wading, and predatory varieties are especially popular.

Turtles, snakes, and gators are familiar sights too, but tours may reach maximum capacity during peak times, so plan accordingly.

8. Lake Worth Casino Building and Beach Complex

Located on a particularly scenic portion of South Ocean Boulevard in Lake Worth, the Lake Worth Casino Building and Beach Complex is rich in ‘20s architecture that harkens back to the state’s golden era, when casinos were king and most guests were movie stars and high-rollers.

Sadly for gamblers, the complex’s gaming days are over, but it’s a truly unique historic attraction that’s worth a look. It’s adjacent to a beachfront park and municipal pier that attract beach lovers, surf-fishermen, and those just looking to stretch their legs or catch a sunset.

There are a number of dining options nearby, and umbrellas, lounge chairs, and small cabanas are available to rent as well.

9. Due South Brewing

Over the last decade or so, Florida has experienced a micro-brew revolution. Though the area around Lantana was once the exclusive domain of large, nationally produced beers, it’s now home to many craft brewers, and many of them produce award-winning products.

Due South was first opened to the public in 2012 and is owned and operated by a beer-loving husband and wife team.

Their taproom in Boynton Beach is a popular afternoon and evening destination for those who’ve had their fill of the elements. Previous guests have noted that in addition to a variety of tasty beers, the atmosphere was comfortable, contemporary, and inviting.

10. Silverball Museum

The Silverball Museum is located on NE 3rd Avenue in nearby Delray Beach, and in many ways, it’s like a time capsule that’s chockfull of old video games and pinball machines, some of which date back to the ‘20s and ’30s.

The museum includes nearly 150 individual games and machines, and the cost of admission allows guests to play them to their heart’s content, making it an affordable way to get your retro-gaming fix.

There are also many skeeball machines, and though pretty much everything is clunky and low-tech by modern standards, kids always end up having a blast while inside.

11. The Links at Boynton Beach

Golf is one of the Sunshine State’s top attractions, and for many visitors, it’s how they spend significant portions of their vacation time.

The Links at Boynton Beach is an 18-hole, par-71 championship course that’s considered one of the area’s best values by savvy locals and visitors alike.

At about 6,300 yards, the course is shorter than many of its competitors, but guests appreciate its well-manicured greens and fairways, and strategically placed sand and water hazards.

In addition to the 18-hole course, there’s a new 9-hole executive course, which is perfect for those who’d rather not spend four or five hours out in the sun.

12. The Sandoway Discovery Center

Delray Beach’s Sandoway Discovery Center is one of the coast’s most activity-packed attractions, and one of those places that generally exceeds visitor’s expectations.

The center is a particularly popular place for those traveling with children; it’s one of the few locations where guests can get up close with a variety of land and marine species, like sharks, crabs, lizards, and snakes.

There are both indoor and outdoor sections of the center, and previous guests have especially enjoyed the regularly scheduled gator feedings, guided dune and garden walks, and on-site fossil digging excursions.

The center is reasonably inexpensive and located on South Ocean Boulevard in Delray Beach.

13. Boynton Beach Mall

Though many beach and nature-minded visitors scoff at the notion of spending their valuable vacation time inside a humble and boring shopping mall, a fair amount of guests consider retail therapy a fun and worthwhile activity.

The Boynton Beach Mall is comprised of more than 130 individual shops, and many of them are well-known national brands like Victoria’s Secret and Macy’s.

The mall features a unique interior design that emulates the natural world, and there are a variety of food, drink, and activity options on-site as well.

Consider visiting when the sun is overly oppressive or when storms are blowing in from the ocean.

14. Victoria’s Peruvian Cuisine

Florida’s food, art, and culture scenes are largely dominated by Cuban, South American, and Latin American influences, and Victoria’s Peruvian Cuisine on South 3rd Street in Lantana is the perfect place to relax and dine after a long day on your feet.

Victoria’s menu features a variety of traditional Peruvian items, including seafood and fresh, local, seasonal produce.

Grilled sea bass and ceviche are a few favorites, and they often offer reasonably priced lunch and dinner specials. Most guests are enamored with the exotic atmosphere and vibrant tastes.

The restaurant serves alcohol and is handicap accessible, and high-chairs are available upon request.

15. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens are a unique and tranquil oasis of Japanese culture set amid the hustle and bustle of downtown Delray Beach.

The grounds include six distinct cultivated areas that include both traditional and contemporary elements of Japanese garden design.

The facility is also home to one of the country’s most complete collections of bonsai trees, and there’s an on-site café that serves a variety of tasty Asian fare.

The museum and grounds are connected by easily traversable trails and include informative plaques, so guests will have the chance to learn about the beautiful things they’re seeing.